Land Rover Freelander I Soft Top 2.0 DI (98 Hp)


Overall Rating

5.9 / 10
Safety 3.0 / 5
Engine 3.0 / 5
Value 3.0 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Land Rover Freelander:

The Land Rover Freelander is a series of four-wheel-drive vehicles that was manufactured and marketed by Land Rover from 1997 to 2015. The second generation was sold from 2007 to 2015 in North America and the Middle East as the LR2 and in Europe as the Freelander 2. The Freelander was sold in both two-wheel and four-wheel drive versions. The name 'Freelander' is derived from the combination of 'Freedom' and 'Lander'.
After having built exclusively body-on-frame 4WD vehicles for half a century, the first generation Freelander was the brand's first model to use monocoque structures, and was offered in three- and five-door body options, including a semi soft-top. The second generation dropped all two-door options, leaving only a five-door estate car-like body, and – after 62 years – became the brand's first ever to offer a two-wheel drive option....(Read more on Wikipedia)

I Soft Top Overview:

Land Rover Freelander (I Soft Top). With 210 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.6 l/100km). With a weight of 1480 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 15.2 s). The top speed reaches 155 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.

2.0 DI (98 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

The least powerful engine, resulting in leisurely acceleration; best suited for relaxed driving rather than quick maneuvers.

Fuel Economy

As an early diesel, it provides good fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for drivers focused on lower running costs.

Best Use Case: Budget-conscious drivers, light utility, and steady rural driving.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Unique soft-top option for open-air driving.
  • • Capable off-road for its class with permanent 4x4.
  • • Compact size makes it maneuverable in urban environments.
  • • Distinctive Land Rover styling.
  • • Practical interior space for its footprint.

Cons:

  • • Known reliability issues, especially with the 1.8 K-Series engine (head gasket).
  • • High fuel consumption for petrol variants.
  • • Dated interior and technology compared to newer SUVs.
  • • Limited rear passenger space in the 3-door soft-top.
  • • Euro NCAP rating is average by modern standards.

Specifications:

General:
Brand:Land Rover
Model:Freelander
Generation:I Soft Top
Modification (Engine):2.0 DI (98 Hp)
Start of production:1998
End of production:2001
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:SUV
Seats:4
Doors:3
Engine:
Power:98 Hp @ 4200 rpm.
Power per litre:49.1 Hp/l
Torque:210 Nm @ 2000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:L / 20T2N
Engine displacement:1994
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Direct injection
Engine aspiration:Turbocharger
Valvetrain:OHC
Engine oil capacity:4.9 l
Coolant:7.2 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:84.5 mm mm
Piston Stroke:88.9 mm mm
Compression ratio:19.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Diesel
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:9.6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.7 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:15.2 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:15.2 sec
Maximum speed:155 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:15.1 kg/Hp, 66.2 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7 kg/Nm, 141.9 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:14.4 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1480
Max. weight:2050
Max load:570
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1315 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:370 l
Fuel tank capacity:59 l
Size:
Length:4380 mm mm
Width:1805 mm mm
Height:1760 mm mm
Wheelbase:2560 mm mm
Front track:1535 mm
Rear (Back) track:1545 mm
Powertrain:
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDisc
Rear brakesDrum
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size195/80 R15
Front suspensionCoil spring
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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